What are Amnesty Internationals concerns about how Canadian refugee policy might change in reaction to the September 11 attacks on the US?
Since September 11th, some public figures have said that national refugee protection policies should be made much more restrictive. There has also been talk over recent weeks of U.S. interest in creating a North American security perimeter. The idea might effectively lift the Canada/US border and lead to assimilation of the two countries immigration laws. Amnesty International welcomes statements by members of the Canadian government indicating that there is no current intention to take this course. We are concerned, however, that pressure may build on the Canadian government to consider a harmonization of U.S./Canada immigration laws. In this regard, we are especially concerned that many asylum-seekers and refugees are routinely and arbitrarily detained in the United States in conditions which fall far short of international standards. Canada must continue to apply refugee laws and policies which conform to international standards and our Charter of Rights. And these must ensure that
